The 2023 South Carolina Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Summit was held on Wednesday, September 17, 2023 in Columbia, South Carolina. Mr. Vito Borrello, Executive Director of the National Association of Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE), delivered an engaging Keynote that connected the research to K-20 family and community practices. During his presentation, he explored 4 challenges in the field of family and community engagement; described how those challenges could be addressed; and highlighted opportunities in South Carolina to advance authentic family engagement.
Region 6 Comprehensive Center State Liaison Don Doggett sat down with some of the main speakers at the Summit to hear their unique perspectives on family engagement.
Mr. Vito Borello to discusses the national needs for family engagement, including the importance of building the capacity of both professionals and families to support successful school-home partnerships that extend learning beyond the school day. Mr. Borrello also discusses the unique challenges and needs arising around family engagement, especially relating to current state and national policies, and provides an overview of exemplar states, districts, and schools running effective family engagement programs nationwide.
Co-Authors Langston Moore and Preston Thorne, former Gamecock football players and University of South Carolina alumnus, discuss how books are instrumental in helping improve students’ reading, writing, and speaking skills. They explain the importance of these fundamental skills for students now, and for whatever they choose to do in the future. As a result, they encourage schools and families to model the value of books and help instill a life-long love of reading.
Colonel Mark Huhtanen shares some of the strategies Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina uses to support students in surrounding communities, including in Richland District 2. Colonel Huhtanen also discusses ways in which South Carolina is “leading the way” in supporting military families
